FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention pertains to exercise equipment and methods of exercising.
BACKGROUND
Many individuals are incorporating strength training into their regular exercise routines. However, traditional weight training uses free weights, elastic or rubber bands or rods to produce a force or counter force for the individual engaged in strength training. These traditional weight training techniques generally comprise some form of stored energy in their system that could become excessive and cause injury to the individual. This risk of injury is exacerbated particularly when the individual is a child or elderly person. Additionally, traditional weight training systems using elastic or rubber bands significantly constrain the range of motion that can be performed. Moreover, significant exercise time is typically lost because the user is required to select the correct combination of weights and elastic or rubber bands or rods to perform various exercises. Certain mechanical gym systems attempt to mitigate this safety concern by incorporating large support structures to contain the weight and/or elastic or rubber bands or rods. Some gym systems braid a plurality of elastic bands together in an effort to control an unexpected release of stored energy which would occur if a single elastic band were to snap due to age or otherwise. Additionally, these mechanical gym systems utilize cables and pulleys to direct or limit the force associated with the stored energy. Hence, the forces and resistances from these mechanical gym systems are generally limited on a single plane thereby negating some of the effectiveness of a given exercise. Also, mechanical gym systems typically do not provide variable resistance throughout the range of motion for a specific exercise or routine. Moreover, these mechanical gym systems are typically heavy and/or bulky and not suitable for residential use when space is limited. For example, these heavy and bulky mechanical gym systems are usually installed in a communal area in multiple dwelling units such as apartment complexes and hotels.
For some individuals, the alternative of exercising in a communal area is neither convenient nor desirable. Coupled with the safety concerns of the stored energy in most mechanical gym systems as well as their high costs, many individuals unfortunately forgo important and health strength training exercise routines. Heretofore, an exercise system that provides strength training safely and conveniently while providing variable resistance during the entire range of motion in an exercise or routine remains a desirable system for many individuals.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a frictional resistance exercise device according to an embodiment.
FIG. 2 is an overhead perspective view of a frictional resistance exercise device coupled to a door according to an embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a side perspective view of a frictional resistance exercise device according to an embodiment.
FIG. 4 illustrates a rope assembly according to an embodiment.
FIG. 5 is an isometric view of a person using a frictional resistance exercise system to perform a first exercise routine according to an embodiment.
FIG. 6 is an isometric view of a person using a frictional resistance exercise system to perform a second exercise routine according to an embodiment.
FIGS. 7A-7E illustrate a plurality of rope assembly configurations for use in a frictional resistance exercise system according to an embodiment.
FIG. 8 is a flow chart illustrating a method of using a frictional resistance exercise system.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Embodiments of a frictional resistance exercise device typically comprise a T-shaped cylindrical member and a door mount assembly. The T-shaped cylindrical member typically includes a first cylindrical section and a second cylindrical section. The T-shaped cylindrical member is coupled to the door mount assembly. The door mount assembly typically includes a first section, a second section, and a third section. Each of these sections typically abuts a surface of a door. The sections are adapted to attach generally to a door edge and allow the door to be closed even when the door mount assembly is attached. However, some embodiments of the frictional resistance exercise device may only comprise a T-shaped cylindrical member coupled directly to a door surface.
An exemplary rope assembly is used with a plurality of friction resistance exercise devices coupled to a door to create a frictional resistance exercise system. The rope assembly typically comprises a rope, a handle stirrup on each end of the rope, and a first handle and a second handle coupled to each handle stirrup. A variety of exercise routines can be performed by a user using embodiments of a frictional resistance exercise system.
An exemplary frictional resistance exercise system typically includes a first frictional resistance exercise device, a second frictional resistance exercise device, and a rope assembly. In some embodiments a cord can be used to aid in securing the first and second frictional resistance exercise devices to the door. Numerous rope configurations can be used in conjunction with the variety of exercise routines to provide safe and convenient strength training. Utilizing two frictional resistance exercise devices coupled to a door typically, but not necessarily, at a top door edge and a bottom door edge enables a user to best perform various exercises where the user's two hand move together (e.g., a squat exercise), as well as exercises where the user's foot and opposite side hand move in an opposite direction to each other (e.g., a leg extension exercise).
Embodiments of the frictional resistance exercise system advantageously provide a variable resistance over a range of motion for a given exercise. Almost every exercises and exercise routines require a resistance curve that matches the strength curve of the user thereby necessitating a variable resistance to optimize the exercise or exercise routine. Embodiments of the frictional resistance exercise system enable the user to control and adjust the resistance of an exercise throughout the entire range of motion of the exercise thereby allowing the strength curve of the user to be more precisely matched during various points in the range of motion of the exercise.
Embodiments of the frictional resistance exercise system provide benefits including, but not limited to: (i) elimination of stored energy release from stretching of elastic or rubber bands or rods, springs or the like, (ii) significantly reduced floor space requirements, (iii) reduced set-up and storage time for the exercise equipment, (iv) matched resistance to the user's strength curve, and (v) varied resistance controlled by the user without having to make weight selection adjustments.
Terminology
The terms and phrases as indicated in quotes (“ ”) in this section are intended to have the meaning ascribed to them in this Terminology section applied to them throughout this document including the claims unless clearly indicated otherwise in context. Further, as applicable, the stated definitions are to apply, regardless of the word or phrase's case, to the singular and plural variations of the defined word or phrase.
The term “or” as used in this specification and the appended claims is not meant to be exclusive rather the term is inclusive meaning: either or both.
References in the specification to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, “an alternative embodiment” and similar phrases mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least an embodiment of the invention. The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all meant to refer to the same embodiment.
The term “couple” or “coupled” as used in this specification and the appended claims refers to either an indirect or direct connection between the identified elements, components or objects. Often the manner of the coupling will be related specifically to the manner in which the two coupled elements interact.
Directional and/or relationary terms such as, but not limited to, “left”, “right”, “top”, “bottom”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, “back”, “front” and “lateral” are relative to each other and are dependent on the specific orientation of an applicable element or article, and are used accordingly to aid in the description of the various embodiments and are not necessarily intended to be construed as limiting.
As applicable, the terms “about” and “generally” as used herein unless otherwise indicated mean a margin of +−20%. Also, as applicable, the term “substantially” as used herein unless otherwise indicated means a margin of +−10%. Concerning angular measurements, “about” or “generally” refer to +−10 degrees and “substantially” refers to +−5.0 degrees unless otherwise indicated. It is to be appreciated that not all uses of the above terms are quantifiable such that the referenced ranges can be applied.
Exemplary Embodiments of a Frictional Resistance Exercise Device
FIGS. 1-3 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a frictional resistance exercise device. Referring to FIG. 1, the frictional resistance exercise device 10 typically comprises a T-shaped cylindrical member 100 and a door mount assembly 200. The T-shaped cylindrical member 100 typically comprises a first cylindrical section 105 and a second cylindrical section 115. The first and second cylindrical sections 105 & 115 are typically, but not necessarily, tubular. The second cylindrical section 115 typically has an arcuately-shaped first end and a flatly-shaped second end. A first end of the second cylindrical section 115 is coupled to the first cylindrical section 105 in the approximate center thereof. The second end of the second cylindrical section 115 is coupled to the door mount assembly 200. The first cylindrical section 105 provides right and left arm portions of the T-shaped cylindrical member 100 whereas the second cylindrical section 115 provides a base portion of the T-shaped cylindrical member 100. Moreover, the first and second cylindrical sections 105 & 115 can be substantially hollow copper tubes. However, the first and second cylindrical sections 105 & 115 may also be comprised of other metal and non-metal materials such as, but not limited to, aluminum, brass, bronze, titanium, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC).
In some embodiments the first and second cylindrical sections 105 & 115 are integrated pieces or welded or glued together. More typically, the first cylindrical section 105 is coupled to the second cylindrical section 115 by one or more fasteners and one or more receiving nuts. As illustrated in FIG. 1, two threaded fasteners 160 along with two threaded receiving nuts 162 serve to couple (i) the first cylindrical section 105 and the second cylindrical section 115 together forming the T-shaped cylindrical member 100 and (ii) the T-shaped cylindrical member 100 to the door mount assembly 200. The threaded fasteners 160 have an elongated threaded portion and a head portion. The elongated portion of each of the threaded fasteners 160 is placed through bores 217 of a first section 205 of the door mount assembly 200. The head portion of the threaded fasteners 160 is slightly larger than the smallest cross-sectional diameter of each bore 217 so that the threaded fasteners 160 cannot pass though. Moreover, the head portion of the threaded fasteners 160 and bores 217 can be slightly beveled such that the head portion can be countersunk and substantially within the first portion 205 when installed and fastened.
Still referring to FIG. 1, the door mount assembly 200 typically includes a second section 210 and a third section 220 as well as the first section 205 to which the T-shaped cylindrical member 100 is coupled. The first section 205 is a flat generally rectangular section as illustrated. As described above, one or more bores 217 are adapted to receive one or more threaded fasteners 160. The second section 210 is likewise a flat generally rectangular section. Similar to the first section 205, but not necessarily of the same size and shape, one or more bores 232 are present on the second section 210. Fasteners such as one or more screws 242 are typically used to couple the second section 220 and the door mount assembly 200 in general to a door edge. The second section 210 is connected to and disposed substantially perpendicular to the first section 205. The first and second sections 205 & 210 of the door mount assembly 200 essentially create an L-bracket for fastening to a door. In some implementations, only an L-bracket is utilized for the door mount assembly. The L-bracket implementation can be particularly advantageous when coupled to doors of smaller or larger thickness than that of standard doors. However, most often the third section 220 of the door mount assembly 200 is included providing additional support when coupled to a door.
The third section 220 is a flat generally rectangular section and connected to the second section 210. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the third section 220 can initially be coplanar or parallel with the second section 210 prior to installation. Additionally, the third section 220 is typically separated from the second section 210 by a perforation of the material from which the door mount assembly 200 is substantially comprised. Moreover, some variations of the door mount assembly may include multiple perforations to accommodate installation on a plurality of door sizes. It is pertinent to note that the construction of the door mount assembly 200 with one or more perforations allow for a plurality of door mount assemblies 200 to be easily stored and shipped until they are installed. However, when installed the third section 220 is folded such that it is disposed substantially perpendicular to the second section 210. As a result, the third second section 220 is substantially parallel to the first section 205 thereby creating a J-bracket (or can alternately be referred to as a U-bracket). In some embodiments with the perforation separating the second and third sections 210 & 220 of the door mount assembly 200, the J-bracket can be relatively easily changed to an L-bracket by repeatedly moving the third section 220 back and forth until the two sections separate. Alternatively, a cutting means can be utilized to separate the adjacent sections.
Typically, but not necessarily, the door mount assembly is a unitary piece of metal generally shaped as illustrated in FIG. 1 and described above. Additionally, the first section 205, the second section 210, and the third section 220 typically have a thickness of approximately 16 to 24 gauge to enable the door to close when the door mount assembly is coupled thereto. However, other suitable thicknesses are contemplated for a variety of mounting applications to a door or otherwise. Other embodiments of door mount assembly are contemplated such as, but not limited to, a single section (like the first described above) fastened to a front or back surface of the door by glue, screws, and/or other fastening means. Moreover, it is pertinent to note that the embodiments described above and accompanying illustrations are exemplary of one way of many to design a frictional resistance exercise device. As would be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art, other ways of coupling a T-like member to a door mount assembly and/or to a door directly are contemplated.
FIG. 2 is an overhead perspective view of the frictional resistance exercise device 10 coupled to a door 30. The arcuately-shaped first end and tubular nature of the second cylindrical section 115 is better illustrated from this perspective. Also, the flatly-shaped second end of the second cylindrical section 115 can be seen coupled to the first section 205 of the door mount assembly. Also shown are the right and left arm portion of the first cylindrical section 105 created when the second cylindrical section 115 intersects the first cylindrical section 105 in the approximate center thereof. It is worthy to note that the right and left references are identified from the perspective of a person looking at the door 30. However, as stated in the Terminology section, these side designations are not limiting to the embodiments described in any way and can be interposed depending on the location of the frictional resistance exercise device 10 on the door.
Still referring to FIG. 2, the door mount assembly 200 of the frictional resistance exercise device 10 is shown fastened to the a door edge 30a with two screws 242 inserted through two bores (bores 232 as shown in FIG. 1) in the second section 210. The door edge 30a can be a top door edge, a bottom door edge, a hinge side door edge, or a latch side door edge. The top door edge is the edge surface portion generally running latitudinally along the top of the door whereas the bottom door edge is the edge surface portion generally running latitudinally along the bottom of the door. The hinge side door edge is the surface edge portion generally running longitudinally along the side of the door comprising a hinge or hinging mechanism coupling the door to a door frame. The latch side door edge is the surface edge portion generally running longitudinally along the side of the door comprising a latch or latching mechanism adapted to release or latch to a door frame when the door is opened or closed. Additionally, the first section 205 of the door mount assembly 200 can be disposed upon the front or back surface of the door 30 with the third section 220 (not shown from the perspective view of FIG. 2) disposed upon the opposite surface of the door 30. Door mount assemblies are typically constructed to fit both 1⅜ inch and 1⅝ inch doors; however, variations exist and can be customized for numerous door sizes and shapes.
Now referring to FIG. 3, the friction resistance exercise device 10 is shown from a side perspective view without a door. As observed from this perspective, the head portions of the two threaded fasteners 160 can be seen generally countersunk and substantially within the first portion 205 of the door mount assembly 200 when the two threaded fasteners 160 are used to couple the T-shaped cylindrical member 100 to the door mount assembly 200. Additionally, a padding member 251 is illustrated disposed along a portion of the first section 205 that would typically be in contact with a door surface. However, more than one padding member 251 of varying sizes and shapes can be placed on portions of the first, second, and third sections 205, 210, & 220 of the door mount assembly 200 to protect the surface of the door for which it is coupled. The padding member 251 can comprise any number of materials to protect the surface of the door such as, but not limited to, felt, closed-cell cross-linked polyethylene foam, closed-cell soft ether based polyurethane foam. Moreover, the padding member 251 typically comprises some adhesive means to secure the padding member 251 to portions of the first, second, and third sections 205, 210, & 220 of the door mount assembly 200.
It is pertinent to note that when a plurality of friction resistance exercise devices 10 are employed in a friction resistance exercise system end caps for the first cylindrical section 105 are typically not necessary because ropes and rope assemblies used in conjunction with the plurality of friction resistance exercise devices 10 will be adequately secured without such end caps. As shown in the perspective view of FIG. 3, open ends of the first cylindrical section 105 allows heat caused by friction on the T-shaped cylindrical member 100 while in use to readily dissipate out of the open ends resulting in better overall cooling of the plurality of T-shaped cylindrical members 100.
The frictional resistance exercise device is not limited by the exemplary embodiment as described above. Many variations and alternate embodiments exist and are contemplated with the scope of invention. For example, one variation of the frictional resistance exercise device exists where the door mount assembly extends perpendicularly from the door edge. With reference to FIG. 3, the perpendicular-oriented door mount assembly essentially comprises a flat or coplanar the first and second sections 205 & 210, and not a third section 220 of the door mount assembly 200. Hence, the T-shaped cylindrical member 100 typically extends toward the center of the door whereby the first cylindrical section 105 extends longitudinally generally aligned with the hinge and latch side door edges and the second cylindrical section 115 extends latitudinally generally aligned with the top and bottom door edges. Depending on where the T-shaped cylindrical member 10 is coupled on the perpendicular-oriented door mount assembly, the first and second cylindrical sections 105 & 115 are spaced a distance (typically between 0.25 and 6 inches) away from the front or back surface of the door.
FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary rope assembly that is used with a plurality of friction resistance exercise devices. Rope assembly 400 comprises a rope 410, a handle stirrup 415 on each end of the rope 410, and a first handle 405a and a second handle 405b coupled to each handle stirrup 415. The rope 410 is flexible and typically comprised of nylon or other synthetic fibers. However, the rope 410 can be comprised of any suitable natural or synthetic fibers or materials or combinations thereof. Non-limiting examples of natural and synthetic fibers include cotton, manila, sisal, nylon, polyester, and polypropylene. The handle stirrup 415 on each end can be created by creating a loop generally large enough for a human hand to comfortably fit through. Any suitable knot or fastening means can be utilized to create the handle stirrups 415. For example, a Trucker's knot can be utilized where it is desirable to easily adjust the size of the stirrup. The handles 405a & 405b typically comprise an elongated bore through which each end of the rope 410 can be threaded. Hence, each handle 405a & 405b and a portion of the rope 410 comprises the handle stirrup 415. As would be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art, various types of handle portions of the rope and handles can be substituted for the exemplary handle stirrups and handles with elongated bores described herein.
Exemplary Embodiments of a Frictional Resistance Exercise System
FIG. 5 is an isometric view of a user 15 using a frictional resistance exercise system to perform a first exemplary exercise routine. A frictional resistance exercise system typically includes a first frictional resistance exercise device 10a, a second frictional resistance exercise device 10b, a rope assembly 400, and a cord 290. With reference back to FIGS. 1-3, the first frictional resistance exercise device 10a typically comprises a first T-shaped cylindrical member 100 coupled to a first door mount assembly 200. The first door mount assembly 200 includes a J-bracket that is coupled to a door 30 at a door top edge and extends to a door front surface and a door back surface. Similarly, the second frictional resistance exercise device 10b typically comprises a second T-shaped cylindrical member 100 coupled to a second door mount assembly 200. The second door mount assembly 200 includes a J-bracket that is coupled to the door 30 at a door bottom edge and extends to the door front surface and the door back surface. Both the first frictional resistance exercise device 10a and the second frictional resistance exercise device 10b can be coupled proximal a hinge side door edge because that portion or area of the door 30 typically provides greater stability to the frictional resistance exercise devices during performance of the various exercise routines than the latch side door edge.
The rope assembly 400 is slidably coupled to the first and second T-shaped cylindrical members of the first and second frictional resistance exercise devices 10a & 10b. Starting from the first handle 405a of the rope assembly 400 and ending with the second handle 405b, the rope 410 is placed: (i) between the right arm portion of the first cylindrical section 105 of the first frictional resistance exercise device 10a and the door 30; (ii) over or around the top of the second cylindrical section 115 of the first frictional resistance exercise device 10a; (iii) between the left arm portion of the first cylindrical section 105 of the first frictional resistance exercise device 10a and the door 30; (iv) down generally extending the length of the door 30; (v) between the left arm portion of the first cylindrical section 105 of the second frictional resistance exercise device 10b and the door 30; (vi) under or around the bottom of the second cylindrical section 115 of the second frictional resistance exercise device 10b; and (vii) between the right arm portion of the first cylindrical section 105 of the second frictional resistance exercise device 10b and the door 30 (refer back to FIGS. 1-3 for the more detailed elements of the frictional resistance exercise device 10).
Still referring to FIG. 5, the cord 290 can be coupled to the base portion or second cylindrical section 115 of the first frictional resistance exercise device 10a and the base portion or second cylindrical section 115 of the second frictional resistance exercise device 10b. The cord 290 can comprise essentially an elongated loop to aid in securing the first and second frictional resistance exercise devices 10a &10b to the door 30. In some implementations, where the frictional force provided by the J-brackets and door mount assembly in general along with the force provided by the coupling cord 290 is sufficient to hold the first and second frictional resistance exercise devices 10a &10b in place, fasteners to fasten the first and second frictional resistance exercise devices 10a &10b to the door 30 are not required. More typically, at least one of the first and second frictional resistance exercise devices 10a &10b is secured to the either the top or bottom door edge with one or more fasteners and the other is secured by the force provided by the coupling cord 290. It is pertinent to note that fasteners can be easily inserted into the top door edge when coupling the door mount assembly and the top of the plurality of frictional resistance exercise devices typically receives more side to side forces during some common exercise routines that would cause an unattached frictional exercise device to slide along the top door edge. It is therefore advantageous to couple at least one the frictional resistance exercise device to the top door edge with fasteners. Inserting (or removing) the fasteners from the top door edge can be easily accomplished as the door need not be removed from hinges thereby enabling portability of the frictional resistance exercise devices if desired.
Depending on the specific exercise routine being performed, it may be advantageous to couple the first frictional resistance exercise device 10a a hinge side door edge and the second frictional resistance exercise device 10b to a latch side door edge. Moreover, it is sometimes advantageous (but not necessary) to align the first frictional resistance exercise devices 10a approximately longitudinally or directly above the second frictional resistance exercise device 10b when the first and second frictional resistance exercise devices 10a &10b are coupled on top and bottom door edges. Similarly, it is sometimes advantageous (but not necessary) to align the first frictional resistance exercise devices 10a approximately latitudinally or directly across the second frictional resistance exercise device 10b when the first and second frictional resistance exercise devices 10a &10b are coupled on hinge and latch side door edges.
As illustrated in FIG. 5, the user 15 facing away from the door 30 can hold the first handle 405a with his left hand and exert a force away from the door 30 with various muscles in his left shoulder, left arm, and/or left hand (e.g., a triceps extension) while resisting the pulling force by the second handle 405b in his right hand. Alternatively, the user 15 facing away from the door 30 can hold the second handle 405b with his right hand and exert a force away from the door 30 with various muscles in his right shoulder, right arm, and/or right hand (e.g., a biceps curl) while resisting the pulling force by the first handle 405a in his left hand. As would be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art, the right and left hands can quickly and easily be switched with respect to the exercises above as well as numerous other exercise routines can be performed with the frictional resistance exercise system.
FIG. 6 is an isometric view of the user 15 using a frictional resistance exercise system to perform a second exemplary exercise routine. The user 15 facing toward the door 15 can hold the first handle 405a with his left hand and the second handle 405b with his right hand wherein the first and second handles 405a & 405b are held along a generally horizontal plane. The user can then move his torso up and down with his legs while holding the first and second handles 405a & 405b such that they remain horizontally opposed during the vertical movement of the first and second handles 405a & 405b and the user's torso (e.g., a leg squat). The user 15 can switch hands holding the first and second handles 405a & 405b as well as alter the starting vertical location of the first and second handles 405a & 405b and muscles used in the exercise routine (e.g., a shoulder press). Advantageously, the length of the rope assembly 400 typically does not require adjustment as the user 15 can stand closer (e.g., if the user 15 is an adult) or farther (e.g., if the user 15 is a child) from the door 30 while performing the second exemplary exercise routing as well as other exercise routines. Additionally, a grab bar 33 can be installed proximal the door 30 to aid in the exercise routines. Also illustrated in FIG. 5 is the absence of the cord 290 (from FIG. 5) used to secure the first and second frictional resistance exercise devices 10a &10b. In this implementation, the first and second frictional resistance exercise devices 10a &10b are typically secured to the door edges with one or more fasteners. Additionally, a rope assembly configuration is illustrated where a loop around the left arm portion of the first frictional resistance exercise device 10a is included to increase the resistance of the system. Again, as would be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art, numerous other exercise routines can be performed with the frictional resistance exercise system within the scope and spirit of the embodiments of the invention. Non-limiting examples of exercises that can be performed with the frictional resistance exercise system are abdominal crunches and leg extension exercises. Some of these exercises may be performed with the aid of a bench adjacent to the door 30 whereby the user 15 lies on his or her back while performing the exercise. Moreover, when a plurality of frictional resistance exercise devices are utilized in the frictional resistance exercise system, such as the first and second frictional resistance exercise devices 10a & 10b described above, it is easy and convenient to store the rope assembly 400 on the door 30 while remaining coupled to the plurality of frictional resistance exercise devices. The user can essentially interlock the two handle stirrups 415 by inserting one inside the other one or more times and/or taking up slack (if necessary depending on the length of the rope) by increasing the number of wraps around one or both of the first and second frictional resistance exercise devices 10a & 10b.
It is to be appreciated that when utilizing the frictional resistance exercise system a greater force is required to push or pull the one of the handles generally away from the door 30 or the system than the force required to resist or hold the other of handles from moving toward the door 30 or the system given the friction resistance provided by devices and system. Moreover, there is no stored energy in the system from elastic or rubber bands or rods, gravity from weights, (or similar stored energy techniques mechanisms used in most exercise equipment) that could become excessive and cause injury to the user 15 when such stored energy suddenly releases.
FIGS. 7A-7E illustrate a plurality of rope assembly configurations for use in a frictional resistance exercise system. These rope assembly configurations provide ways to vary the resistance for use with the exercise routines described in FIGS. 5 & 6 as well as the numerous other exercise routines that can be performed with the frictional resistance exercise system as would be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art.
FIG. 7A illustrates a basic rope assembly configuration. Starting from the first handle 405a of the rope assembly 400 and ending with the second handle 405b, the rope 410 is placed: (i) between the right arm portion of the first cylindrical section 105a and the door; (ii) over or around the top of the second cylindrical section 115a; (iii) between the left arm portion of the first cylindrical section 105a and the door 30; (iv) down generally extending the length of the door; (v) between the left arm portion of the first cylindrical section 105b and the door; (vi) under or around the bottom of the second cylindrical section 115b; and (vii) between the right arm portion of the first cylindrical section 105b and the door.
FIG. 7B illustrates the basic rope assembly configuration with an extra loop around the left arm portion of the first cylindrical section 105a to increase the friction provided by the frictional resistance exercise system. FIG. 7C illustrates the basic rope assembly configuration with an extra loop around the left arm portion of the first cylindrical section 105a and an extra loop around the left arm portion of the second cylindrical section 105b the to further increase the friction provided by the frictional resistance exercise system.
FIG. 7D illustrates an alternative basic rope assembly configuration. Starting from the first handle 405a of the rope assembly 400 and ending with the second handle 405b, the rope 410 is placed: (i) between the right arm portion of the first cylindrical section 105a and the door; (ii) over or around the top of the second cylindrical section 115a; (iii) between the left arm portion of the first cylindrical section 105a and the door 30; (iv) down generally extending the length of the door; (v) over the top of left arm portion of the first cylindrical section 105b and then between the left arm portion of the first cylindrical section 105b and the door; (vi) back up and over or around the top of the second cylindrical section 115b; (vii) back down between the door and the right arm portion of the first cylindrical section 105b; and (viii) back up over the top of the right arm portion of the first cylindrical section 105b.
FIG. 7E illustrates the alternative basic rope assembly configuration with an extra loop around the left arm portion of the first cylindrical section 105a to increase the friction provided by the frictional resistance exercise system. It is to be appreciated that numerous other rope assembly configurations exist and can be utilized to increase or decrease the frictional as well as modify the resulting forces applied to each do the frictional resistance exercise devices when the rope 410 slides along the T-shaped cylindrical members 100.
An Exemplary Method of Using a Frictional Resistance Exercise System
Embodiments of the frictional resistance exercise system including the various configurations of the plurality of frictional resistance devices thereof can be utilized as to perform various exercises. An exemplary method utilizing embodiments of the frictional resistance system is illustrated in the flow chart of FIG. 8.
Method 500 enables a user to more safely and conveniently perform a variety of exercises. An operation 505 of method 500 comprises providing a plurality of frictional resistance exercise devices. As illustrated in FIGS. 1-3 and described herein, each of the frictional resistance exercise devices 10 includes the T-shaped cylindrical member 100 and the door mount assembly 200. The door mount assembly 200 is adapted to fit over a door edge and extend to at least one of a door front surface and a door back surface. Moreover, the door mount assembly 200 is adapted to allow the door 30 to which it is attached be closed when coupled thereon. The T-shaped cylindrical member 100 is coupled to the door mount assembly 200. Each of the T-shaped cylindrical members 100 typically comprises the first cylindrical section 105 and the second cylindrical section 115.
Returning now to the flow chart of FIG. 8, operation 510 comprises securing a first frictional resistance exercise device to a top door edge and operation 515 comprises securing a second frictional resistance device to a bottom door edge. As previously discussed, the first and second are typically, but not necessarily, longitudinally aligned on the door.
Next, as described in block 520, a rope is attached to the first and second exercise devices. The rope can be the rope assembly 400 described above and illustrated in FIG. 4. Moreover, a variety of rope assembly configurations as described above and illustrated in FIGS. 7A-7E can be used to vary the resistance to the rope. For example, when attaching the rope to the first and second exercise devices, the rope can include at least one loop around an arm portion either the first or second frictional resistance exercise device (refer to FIGS. 7B, 7C, and 7E for exemplary loops). Additionally, attaching the rope to further the first or second frictional resistance exercise device can include placing the rope over a top of a left arm portion of a first cylindrical section 105b of the second frictional resistance exercise device, between the left arm portion of the first cylindrical section 105b of the second frictional resistance exercise device and the door, around a top of a second cylindrical section 115b of the second frictional resistance exercise device, between the door and a right arm portion of the first cylindrical section 105b of the second frictional resistance exercise device, and over a top of the right arm portion of the first cylindrical section 105b of the second frictional resistance exercise device (see FIG. 7D for an exemplary illustration).
Referring back to FIG. 8, an operation 525 comprises applying a force to a first end of the rope and an operation 530 comprises resisting a force at a second end of the rope. Typically, a single user applies the force to the first end of the rope with a first hand or foot and resists the force of the second end of the rope with a second hand or foot. However, in some implementations a first user applies the force to the first end of the rope and a second user resists the force of the second end of the rope.
It is to be appreciated that the numerous exercises may be performed in accordance with the method described above. Although a few exemplary exercises are discussed and illustrated in FIGS. 5 & 6, other exercises and configurations of the plurality of frictional resistance exercise devices are contemplated such as, but not limited to, having two top and two bottom exercise frictional resistance exercise devices and two rope assemblies wherein the first user holds either the first or second ends of both ropes and the second user holds the other of the first or second ends of both ropes. Additionally, it is readily apparent given the disclosure and to be appreciated that the frictional resistance exercise system enables the user (or a trusted second user) to control and adjust the amount of resistance being applied at various times throughout the range of motion of the specific exercise being performed. Such acute and immediate control of the resistance is often critical during exercises performed during rehabilitation of injuries where both injured and uninjured muscle groups are utilized in during the full range of motion during the course of the exercise routine.
Other Embodiments and Variations
The various embodiments and variations thereof illustrated in the accompanying figures and/or described above are merely exemplary and are not meant to limit the scope of the invention. It is to be appreciated that numerous variations to the invention have been contemplated as would be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art with the benefit of this disclosure. All variations of the invention that read upon the appended claims are intended and contemplated to be within the scope of the invention.
For example, in some embodiments, the door mount assemblies can be modified to couple directly to a wall, fence (e.g., warming-up and strengthening a user's arm for baseball practice or games), or other structure besides a door.
Patent Application
20110195825
